In Germany, motorists are legally required to attach winter or all-season tires to their cars. The old rules have been strengthened and the M+S logo (mud and snow) is no longer enough. Tyres bearing the Alpine logo (photo) comply with the new regulations. Compliance with existing winter tyre rules is essential. First, there is a so-called «situational obligation» to use winter tyres (yes, it`s obviously «tyres» in British English). If it`s hot around Christmas, no one will be penalized if they use summer tires. But if the roads are frozen in October or at any time, they will. Keep in mind that different aspects of tyre legislation differ from one European country to another, so it`s not just a question of whether or not you need winter tyres. We recommend that you check the details of the tyre legislation in the countries you pass through before you leave. Simple mistakes such as not having enough tread depth can result in a fine if you are not careful. The other winter equipment required by law is antifreeze for the windshield wipers and wipers themselves. Tread depth The minimum tread depth for tyres in Germany is 1.6 mm.
For winter tires, however, a minimum tread depth of 4 mm is recommended, as the tires do not perform optimally at a tread depth of less than 4 mm and lose their winter performance. Please note! There are also summer tyres with M+S markings. These summer tyres have no winter characteristics and are therefore not suitable for driving in Germany in winter conditions – not even during the transition period. The German legislator provides for a transitional period during which old tyres can still be used if they were produced before the end of 2017. Are you planning a ski trip to Austria, Switzerland or Germany this winter? Have you thought about your tires? Regulations for winter tyres, studded tyres and snow chains vary from country to country. To avoid a fine, it`s a good idea to check before you go! Here is a handy summary of all winter tyre laws in force in Europe. German regulations stipulate a tread depth of 1.6 mm, but 4 mm is recommended for winter tyres. Motorists must not exceed the maximum speed of their winter tyres indicated on the sidewall of the tyre. If this speed is lower than that of the car, a suitable sticker should be placed in a place that the driver can easily see. Each European country adopts its own rules for winter tyres, studded tyres and snow chains. In France, as in the UK, winter tyres are not mandatory (although they are highly recommended for your safety at low temperatures). In neighbouring countries such as Germany, Austria, Luxembourg or Italy, strict rules apply to the use of winter tyres.
In Germany, winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions. Recently, the definition of suitable tyres has been strengthened in German law. Tyres that only have M+S markings are no longer sufficient. The tire must bear the symbol 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake). This is a picture of a mountain with a snowflake on it. There is a transitional regulation for the use of tyres that only have an M+S marking. These can still be used until September 30, 2024, provided they were manufactured before December 31, 2017. More information; On 4 December 2010, a new winter tyre regulation was introduced in Germany. This new rule applies to all motor vehicles on the roads in Germany, including those registered abroad, so vehicles registered in the United Kingdom are affected. It is now forbidden to use summer tyres in winter weather conditions in Germany.
Winter weather conditions include black ice, snow, ice, mud and frost. Please note that these conditions may also be present at temperatures above 0 degrees. German law states that tires must be winter tires or all-season tires designed for use in winter conditions. Appropriate tires are usually marked with a snowflake or a snow mountain symbol. Motorists whose car is equipped with summer tires are not allowed to put the car on the road in winter weather conditions. Motorists who break the law are liable to fines of €20. If they do obstruct traffic, the fine is €40. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey unless the tires are changed or weather conditions change. It should be noted that winter tires are not only mandatory in winter; Instead, they are needed in all winter conditions.
In practice, this is often considered necessary during the months of October to Easter. Snow chains are allowed in Germany. On site, they may be mandatory and the road signs will inform you of their status. The maximum speed when driving with snow chains is 50 km/h. With a 2 euro coin, it is easy to determine if the profile is good enough. If the silver edge of this coin disappears in profile, everything is fine. If this is not the case, new winter tires must be purchased. By the way: winter tires not only have a deeper tread, but also consist of a different material composition so that they survive freezing temperatures. If you`re not sure if other countries have similar tyre laws, visit the European Road Safety website.
For more information on winter driving, see the Army Europe Drivers Handbook and Examination. It`s time to start worrying about winter tires. Germany has its regulations. In addition, there are recommendations that make sense. Berlin, 10 October 2019. Update: September 20, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) – Germans say: «Use winter tires from `O` to `O`.» The first «O» stands for October, the second for «Easter». It doesn`t really work in English unless we change one of these letters. Anyone driving in winter conditions must ensure that their winter tire profile is at least 1.6 millimeters (0.04 inches) deep under German law.
At the same time, the German General Automobile Association (ADAC) recommends 4 millimeters (0.16 inches). In this way, the tires have much more grip. European winter tyres have two types of markings: a snowflake for winter tyres or M+S for tyres designed for use in mud and snow, or «mud and snow» in German.